Table for Two, Nowhere Near the Kitchen... (Ivy)

[Aftershock]

Cainith was nervous. Carting the tables and chairs out of the dining hall had been easy enough, no one questioned the giant Candidate as he had placed the table legs over his shoulders, then grabbed a chair in each hand and maneuvered his way out of the dining hall and out to the river's edge. He had placed the table and chairs down near the spot where he and Ivy had spoken about Wasteland and the truth he had never known... and first kissed.

As he arranged the bowls and plates of food he'd made and then brought out on the table, he hoped silently he wasn't making a poor move. Maybe he misinterpreted the signals, maybe she wasn't actually that interested in him? He'd never had a woman show the kindness and attention Ivy had shown to him without asking for a favor soon afterward, and one part of him was waiting for that other shoe to drop. He carefully moved the bowls and plates around so that the table didn't look too cluttered (and that he'd have easy access to all the food from his chair), and grabbed one of his special spicy meatrolls, taking a bite to test the flavor. In the Mining Crafthall, he had discovered that a tiny bit of firestone, ground into a fine powder and sprinkled ever so lightly into food would add a spicy flavor that was unmatched by any plant-based spice... though you had to be careful, as too much and you could easily incinerate the kitchen or damage the insides of whoever ate it. Satisfied with the level of spice, he took out a spoon and did a quick check of everything else... mashed tubers, yellowfruit pudding, piping-hot bubbly pies, his special spicy meatrolls, as well as normal meatrolls, fresh-baked bread, and a couple roast wherries.

Smoothing his hair, glad again he'd tricked Rollhead into staying back at his room, he brushed his fingers through his beard to check for errant crumbs or dirt, then hung a few glows on sticks he'd found nearby, leading a path to the table from the direction of the Candidate Barracks. He then sat down, facing in the direction of the Weyr proper and folding his hands in his lap, trying to keep from tapping his foot nervously as he waited for Ivy to arrive.

[Ivy]

Lessons and chores had pushed their 'date night' back a few days, so when Ivy got word from Cainith he was free this evening she was excited - and nervous. He'd told her to meet him out on the beach shortly after dark, so she spent her time getting ready. Sure she had been on 'dates' with much more attractive men - ones with far less facial hair - but she had to admit she was interested in Cainith. Even if she wasn't entirely certain why.

Looking through her outfits - and she had plenty of them, after all she was well established in the barracks and the Weyr, she'd managed to trade old items for clothes and even had some made with fabrics she'd purchased at Gathers. Finding one in particular she liked she pulled it from her dresser and laid it on her bed. Changing quickly out of her daytime clothes she smoothed the cloth over her curves as she looked down. The dress she'd chosen was three shades of green in a light leaf-like pattern across it. The bottom hem ended mid-thigh while the neckline plunged up top. Smiling she found some sandals and slipped them on. Looking outside she saw it was getting dark and she ran a brush through her fiery locks before leaving her room.

She'd appeased Eros with a long hot soak and some food from the kitchens, he was now napping. Hopefully he'd stay asleep all night and leave her be for once. Slipping out of the barracks she made her way towards the sandy riverside where Cainith was waiting for her. Nearing it she saw glows leading the way and she picked up the pace. Finally she saw him, he'd gone all out for the evening. Where had he stolen the table and chairs from? A light blush colored her cheeks as she came to the table and stopped, "All of this just for me?"

[Aftershock]

Cainith stood from his seat as he saw Ivy approach, a large smile coming to his lips. His white teeth showed through his beard in the coming darkness like a half-moon, and he moved to the other side of the table, pulling the chair out for Ivy as she approached the table. "Of course this is all for you... well, not all the food, I wouldn't think you capable of eating all this yourself," he said, winking before continuing, "A special meal for a special woman. Please, have a seat."

Assuming she took his invitation to sit down, he pushed her chair in for her gently, taking the time while he was behind her to better appreciate her attire. "She sure seemed to go to a lot of trouble just for dinner with me... that's a good sign," Cainith thought to himself as he noted her outfit... and being unable to help noting the curves it contained. Moving back around to take his seat once more, he smoothed out his dark brown trousers and checked the ties at the chest of the silk tunic he wore... the one silk tunic he owned, since getting clothing made for someone his size was expensive, and add to that something fancy like silk, and it was for the most part out of the price range for someone who wasn't exactly rolling in marks like himself, especially since he had become a Candidate and wasn't doing guard work anymore. Controlling himself, he indicated the food and said, "Please, help yourself. I hope it's all to your liking."

[Ivy]

Sitting she let him push her chair in. She could feel his eyes dancing over her as she looked at the delicious spread he offered - no doubt he was doing the same over her spread. A playful giggle sounded from her and she looked up at him, "It looks wonderful, you didn't have to go through all this trouble just for me though Cainith. I'm nothing special."

Her cheeks were flushed as her eyes met his. Breaking the eye contact she took in his outfit - he cleaned up rather nicely. Would look a bit better if he didn't have all that hair, but he'd tamed it as best he could and she appreciated the effort. Smiling she nodded across the table, "You should sit too, I can serve myself, I don't need to be waited on hand and foot."

A playful wink was given to the much larger man as she reached out to pick up her glass and the flask - hopefully he'd been able to talk the cooks into handing over some of their wine from the back rooms. She knew where they kept it of course, she'd been able to get her hands on some every now and again when she used her womanly charms on one of the male drudges.

"How have you been? I feel like its been awhile since we've spoken... I was surprised, and happy, to get your invitation." Her voice was soft, warm, and bubbly. Her eyes lighted on the bubbly pies and she nearly squealed in excitement. How had he known they were her favorite?

[Aftershock]

Cainith laughed heartily when Ivy spoke about not being special, saying between chortles, "You don't give yourself enough credit, girl! You're a very special woman indeed." Leaning forward mock-conspiratorially, he put his hand flat and palm-out beside his mouth and loudly whispered, "Did you know you're the first woman to speak to me like a normal human being without soon wanting something from me? I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know," he added, winking and grinning across the table.

Seeing her grab the flask, and ignoring her statement about not having to be waited on hand and foot, he carefully reached over the table and took the flask in his hand, though he didn't take it out of her hand, simply grasped the top with his fingers. His hand touched hers when he did this, and he hid a pleased flush as he reached across with his other hand to pinch the cork between his large fingers and pop it out with barely an effort, while saying, "Please, allow me."

As she poured the wine into her glass, he said, "I got that from the good stock. It's odd, most of the drudges don't question a man my size when I take things from the kitchen," he concluded with another wink and laugh. Taking her wine-pouring as an invitation that he'd waited long enough, he grabbed a plate and began doling out food onto it, unable to hold himself back anymore. Controlling himself due to his company, he ate with his personal knife and fork (custom-fit to his larger hands) carefully, and replied to Ivy's statement about not seeing him for a while with, "I've been all right. They certainly do keep their Candidates busy around here, don't they? Not that I don't mind, I like being useful, though it has in fact cut into my social life... which is you," he added, laughing a bit, "Only you. I think you're the first friend I've ever had in my life, and I apologize that it has been a while since we've spoken. I'm still getting used to such a relationship." He smiled widely when she mentioned she was pleased to get his invite, and said, "I hope you don't mind the surroundings. I enjoy spending time with you, and the dining hall seemed too impersonal. This spot holds... special significance for me." He was watching her eyes, seeing if she noticed the significance of the location herself, when he saw them light up when spotting the bubbly pies. Grinning to himself as he realized it was apparently something she didn't get too often, he patted himself on the back for making such a wide variety of foods, to cover as many bases as possible.

[Ivy]

Her smile widened when his hand touched hers on the wine flask. More so when he mentioned not being questioned when he took things from the kitchens - even the good wine. Putting the flask down she listened to him speak as she took a sip of the wine and then worked on loading her plate with something from each dish he'd prepared. Not huge portions, but just enough so she could taste everything and have enough room later for the pies.

"Only friend? I think that has to be a lie, why wouldn't someone want to be friends with you? You're funny, you're sweet, you're a great cook..." She said this last bit after taking a few bites of her food, which was delicious. "Also I'm surprised I haven't seen you more, though I think Elisabeta has picked up on us being friends and is giving us separate chores on purpose. Wouldn't put it past her at all. Now she is someone I would believe has no friends."

Another few bites of her food as she worked her way around the plate. She of course minded her manners, she was hungry but not starving after all. Small bites. Talking between each bite but without food in her mouth. Sipping her wine every so often - more often than not really - she found she soon had to fill her glass once more. When he spoke of this spot having special significance her cheeks flushed lightly. She'd kissed him here. Of course that was so they would pass for a couple sneaking out to make out at night if they got caught by a rider... but still. She couldn't deny she thought it was a bit more special than that as well. "This is very good. I wish I could cook like this."

[Aftershock]

Cainith smiled sheepishly as Ivy complimented him while listing the reasons she didn't believe he would have no friends other than herself, and in attempting to cover his embarrassment, he forgot his manners for a moment and stuffed an entire spicy meatroll into his mouth. Flushing a bit from extra embarrassment when he realized his blunder (and from the spice of the meat), he chewed quickly, trying not to choke as he attempted to clear his mouth as quickly as possible, draining his wineglass halfway through to help wash it down faster. The warmth of the wine going down to his stomach complemented the heat of the spicy meatrolls quite well, he realized belatedly, and he cleared his throat a bit to resolve any roughness from swallowing the not-well-chewed meatroll before responding, "Well, most people see me as big, and strong, and intimidating, and big... sometimes hairy," he added, chuckling. "They see those traits, and how they could use them to their advantage. They don't see a need to get to know me and actually talk to me, my mind isn't what they're concerned with, only my body." As he finished his sentence, his eyes almost subconsciously traveled over Ivy's body, or at least what showed above the table edge, and he added with a wry expression, "Somehow I imagine, from various tales I've overheard from certain braggart riders, that I'm not the only one who has that particular problem."

At Ivy's comment about Elizabeta, Cainith laughed anew, finally wiping tears from his eyes as he choked out through his laughter, "So very true. That harpy of a woman could burn Thread with her attitude alone!" He was being light on the wine, though not for fear of intoxication, as it would take three full bottles drank in quick succession to inebriate a man his size and bulk, but to avoid taking too much, since he'd only brought the one bottle. He noted the flush in Ivy's cheeks during the conversation, though he figured it could simply be the wine taking effect. At the second compliment to his food, he grinned and leaned back, patting his round, but firm stomach while saying, "You don't get to be my size without learning a thing or two about cooking, my dear Ivy. I hope you enjoy the spiced meatrolls, it's my own secret recipe... though I'm sure I could part with it for the right motivation," he added, winking with a smirk in Ivy's direction.

[Ivy]

It was Ivy’s turn to be slightly embarrassed as he mentioned overhearing riders talk about bedding her. At least she knew she was good though, right? Most people wouldn’t brag about bedding someone who wasn’t good. Still, she wondered which riders were going about spreading rumors about her – though really they wouldn’t be rumors if they were true. Shaking her head slightly she looked across the table at him, “No, you’re not the only one with such a problem.”

She took another bite of her food, if only to stop the direction the conversation was presently headed. Another glass of wine was poured and she sipped at it delicately. Ivy wasn’t a heavy drinker, but she could handle her wine fairly well most of the time – this wasn’t one of those times though, as she felt her cheeks burning and felt a bit light headed. When he talked about Elisabeta she chuckled, “Aye, she probably could.”

Eating one of the spiced meatrolls she grinned, “These are pretty delicious… Though I probably wouldn’t know what to do with the recipe even if I managed to get ahold of it. Like I said, I am not skilled at cooking.” Another few bites and she piled some other food on her plate with a smile, “So… You’re interested in whers more than a dragon? Just because of your age, or what?”

[Aftershock]

Cainith continued to eat as Ivy spoke, though making sure to leave enough of each dish for Ivy to eat as well. When she commented on his spicy meatrolls, he said, "Well, that being as it is, if you ever want, I'll be glad to cook for you. I'm always glad to work with an appreciative participant." He grinned as he said this last part, with a twinkle in his eye. As she asked him about his interest in whers, he responded, "Yes, partly my age. At Benden, after I aged out, I was just a giant grunt. I would earn marks protecting tithe caravans, but I always felt like a second-class citizen. When I came here, and found out about the existence of whers, it was a chance for me to be someone again, prove that being Searched wasn't a bad choice on the part of those who Searched me." Sitting back, he drank another sip of wine, then continued, "Though to be honest, I'm kind of glad I didn't Impress a dragon. I don't think I'd like something that smart sharing my brain with me. I'm having enough trouble with Rollhead, and he's not even that intelligent... a dragon would have me feeling like a second banana in moments, I'm sure," he concluded, with a wry twist to his mouth.

Noticing the darkness fully setting in, Cainith silently worked up his courage, then smiled and stood, gesturing towards the river's edge. There, surrounded by glows sitting on the sand, was a large blanket. Picking up a bubbly pie in one hand, he smiled widely and asked, "Ready for dessert?"

[Ivy]

As she finished most of what was on her plate she rolled her eyes, "You're plenty smart on your own you know. I don't think a dragon would outshine you. I personally think whers are a bit ugly... I can't wait for the next dragon clutch. Will you Stand for it or just for the next wher clutch?"

She was secretly hoping he'd Stand, or at least be there. But she wouldn't say so out loud. When he stood and looked to the bank of the river she smiled and stood as well, following his line of sight. How had she missed the blanket out there before? Oh, and he picked up a bubbly pie! She giggled and nodded eagerly, "I'm always ready for dessert, darlin'."

There was a bit of a drawl to her voice as she spoke, and she gave a playful wink. Was she flirting? Probably. No, not probably. Definitely. She was definitely flirting, but when wasn't she?

[Aftershock]

At Ivy's compliment towards his intelligence, Cainith flushed a bit again. He wasn't used to being treated so kindly, and he responded, "You are too kind, my dear. Either way, I have no choice in the matter as it is. Wher's might not be the most attractive beasts in the eyes of many, but then again, neither am I," he added, winking and laughing.

As he led the way to the blanket, he responded, "I'll go to the Standing, to be sure, if only to see you Impress. I'm sure any dragon that Impresses to you will be a fine beast... though I have a feeling Eros might have a problem sharing you," he concluded, laughing his normal booming laugh once more. Reaching the blanket, he sat down on it carefully, trying not to sink into the sand and drag the entire blanket under with him, then presented the bubbly pie in Ivy's direction, saying, "The honor of first bite is yours, m'lady," with an overacted bow and a smirk.

[Ivy]

"Eros may not have to share me - this is my final turn on the Sands. Then I'll just be watching from the stands. I really don't think I'll Impress." Ivy confided in Cainith, her voice was soft and quiet as she followed him to the blanket. Sitting down after he had settled she offered a smile when he offered her the first bite of pie.

She'd brought her fork from the table and dug right in without him having to offer a second time. Taking a big bite she practically moaned as the delicious juices and flaky pastry almost melted in her mouth. It was delicious!!

As if sensing His was enjoying something that he wasn't a part of, Eros appeared in the sky above them. He circled lazily, chattering random noises in their direction before landing on the table. Stealing some food in his claws he blinked back between to go somewhere else to enjoy his food. Hmph.

[Aftershock]

Cainith put a his pie-free hand on Ivy's shoulder as she confided about her last Standing, and replied, "I just know you'll Impress. And you'll get the best dragon of the hatching. It's only what you deserve, after all," he concluded, grinning at her through the evening gloom.

As Ivy took the forkful of bubbly pie, Cainith couldn't help but smile as he saw her ecstatic reaction to the dessert. Taking two fingers, he took a chunk of the pie himself, depositing the treat in his mouth carefully, then took a little more of the fruit filling on the tip of his finger and reached out to wipe it playfully on Ivy's cheek, saying, "Well, Ivy my dear, it seems dessert's on you," followed by uproarious laughter at his own joke. He glanced up as he heard Eros' chattering, and sobered a bit, hoping the little blue flit wouldn't steal Ivy away from him, but relaxed once he retreated back Between with some of the food left on the table.

[Ivy]

Ivy giggled and swatted the much larger man as he smeared some pie on her face. "Don't waste it like that!" Another swat was given before she took another bite of the bubbly pie. A few more bites and she'd eaten what she considered to be her fair share and so she set her fork down and laid back on the blanket.

"As for Impressing, I don't think you're right. I'll age out for sure. It'll be fine though... I'm sure there's something I can do around the Weyr to earn my keep once I'm no longer a Candidate. Maybe accept a formal apprenticeship in the infirmary or something of the like..." Her voice was quiet as she laid there staring up at the sky. She could see the twinkling stars high up and sighed, "My husband told me I'd never Impress... It kills me that he's right..."

Ivy fell silent then, knowing she'd told Cainith more than any others knew - she hadn't told any others she was Joined back in Southern Hold. Not that it really mattered - she'd been Joined when she was only 16 turns and it'd been two turns since she'd even seen Darren. He was back in Southern Hold, she assumed. She wasn't sure. Not that she cared either way - he'd never supported her desire to be a rider and he'd failed to save their child. She frowned for a moment before closing her eyes, awaiting Cainith's reaction.

[Aftershock]

Cainith laughed as Ivy swatted at him, then suddenly shot his head forward, licking the bit of bubbly filling off of Ivy's cheek, his beard tickling against her skin as it rubbed lightly against her in passing. As Ivy finished what she considered her part of the pie, Cainith took the remainder and quickly polished it off, depositing the empty tray next to the blanket and lying beside Ivy on his side as she lie back, his head propped up in his hand as he again drank in the attractive redheaded Candidate's form as it stretched languidly on the cloth-covered sand.

As Ivy repeated her belief that she wouldn't Impress, Cainith placed a quieting finger gently on her lips, saying, "If you keep thinking you won't Impress, it might affect your chances. If you really can't stop thinking it, I'll just do my best to keep my hopes up for both of us." Smiling down at her, feeling more comfortable with her than he'd ever felt with a woman before, Ivy's sudden admission that she was Joined set him aback. Marginally scooting away from her a couple centimeters, his smile vanished, and he said, "Oh, er... I did not realize you were Joined." He glanced around, as if expecting an enraged husband to appear at any moment, and added, "I apologize for being so forward with you, I just thought... never mind..." He sat back up again at this, the silence growing long as his feelings warred between wanting to be near Ivy, and wanting to run away in embarrassment at thinking a Joined woman was interested in him in such a way.